About Bayview

THE PEOPLE in Bayview Hunters Point have been struggling for decades, affected by the US Navy's radioactive waste dump, crack-cocaine, gun violence, substandard housing, and liquor stores. They are struggling with unemployment, homelessness, lack of access to health care, tainted soil, violence, mental illness, drug-addiction, severe health problems, and lack of appreciation.

BUT THERE IS INCREDIBLE POTENTIAL HERE. These soulful folk represent a deep history. The population of Bayview Hunters Point has a history of work in the trades. One unemployed young man from Double Rock describes his father as a busy electrical contractor during the 1980's. Those days are gone-- most local employers hire mostly non-residents.

The young people are a precious creative resource, yet many lack the resources to be creative. The BOOM believes a revival of the trades may be the right prescription. The Bayview BOOM empowers teenagers with the skills to build their own futures.

BOOMBOX MEDICINE

Our method is to develop a high-quality, bumpin' music product, designed to consumer standards, that can be built by-hand, at low cost, by our youth-apprentices. Then, we'll implement a street-savvy marketing strategy to get this product into the eager hands of B-Boys and B-Girls everywhere (that’s Bicycle Boys and Bicycle Girls).

Our boombox-electronics projects are highly appealing to hard-to-reach youths. Building an exciting and complex project engenders pride, and sense of accomplishment.

"I can feel the energy flowing through my body."
-Jonathan M, on probation, 15 yrs old, after a successful system test.

Mechanical and electronic assembly and repair involve constant problem-solving, troubleshooting, and improvising. This gives our participants the confidence and thinking-skills to solve other real-life problems. Assembly projects provide unemployed or truant youths with a constructive, healthy alternative to unproductive activities.

A Healthy Addiction

Since 2011, The Bayview BOOM has introduced at-risk teens to electronics assembly, woodworking, metalworking, and product design. Our apprentices are at-risk for truancy, dangerous drugs, criminal activity, violence, guns, and prison. We have a special focus on girls.

The BOOM teaches teen apprentices how to build and market a real hardware product. We empower our apprentices with the skills and hands-on experience to build a brighter future for themselves. The BOOM plants seeds for mastery and invention.